Arroyo: Duterte can handle abusive cops, soldiers better

MANILA, Philippines — Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now deputy speaker of the House, attempted to allay concerns that the police and military will abuse their authority under President Rodrigo Duterte's newly declared "state of lawlessness."

At a televised press conference on Monday, Arroyo, who represents the 2nd District of Pampanga, said the House majority is backing the proclamation following the blast at a Davao City night market last Friday that killed 15 people.

Arroyo said she did not experience an abusive military and police during her term as president.

"I don't think they're abusive now," she said. The news conference was her first since she was acquitted by the Supreme Court of plunder charges in July.

"In any case, President Duterte is a much stronger leader than I am. So, if I could handle them, he can handle them even better," Arroyo said.

Deputy Speaker Fredenil Castro said police and military are not given new powers to suppress lawless violence.

The Palace is expected to issue the formal declaration on Monday. That may include parameters for implementation by security forces.

Duterte said a state of lawlessness is not equivalent to a declaration of martial law. The police and military, meanwhile, are authorized to conduct security searches in cars and frisk individuals at checkpoints.

President Rodrigo Duterte visits the blast site that left at least 14 people dead and 60 injured in Davao City on Sept. 3, 2016. PPD/Robinson Ninal

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Saturday that Duterte's declaration is rooted in Article VII, Section 18 of the Constitution.

The provision states that the president, as the commander-in-chief of all Philippine armed forces, "may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion" if necessary.

On Sunday, Salvador Panelo, Duterte's legal counsel, revealed that the declaration of a state of lawlessness or lawless violence has been on the table even before the Davao attack. — Camille Diola